Commonly Asked Questions

How does this FTA card collect the DNA?

It works by breaking down cellular membranes and locking the DNA
into the paper's fibrous matrix.

How long will these samples last?

Current studies by the US FBI and others show that DNA bound to
these cards are stable for decades.

Are there any special storing conditions?

No, the cards can be stored at room-temperature in any dry
place. (This is the backbone of this project; until now there
hasn't been a quick way to safely store DNA samples without modern
day lab tools.)

How will these DNA samples be used?

Samples will be used for conservation genomics studies around
the world to develop new DNA fingerprinting technologies, determine
inbreeding statistics, uncover genes that control behavior traits,
locate genes that influence body and horn size genetics, and
identify genes responsible for natural disease resistance in
wildlife species.

How will this project help animals and hunters?

This project is one of the most comprehensive efforts to catalog
the large biodiversity of wildlife species in the world. The
development of resources and molecular biotechnologies that this
project entails will provide for conscientious stewardship of
African game species, creating healthy populations and sustainable
trophy hunting.